Cabernet Franc is one on the major grape varietals of the world. Typically it is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, making a bright pale red wine that contributes finesse and lends a peppery perfume to blends with more robust grapes. Depending on the growing region and style of wine, the profile may include violet, cassis tobacco, and raspberry.
Located in South West France, Bordeaux is one of the World’s most important wine producing regions. The Gironde estuary and its two tributaries, the Garonne and Dordogne, splits the region into the ‘left bank’ and ‘right bank’. The left bank, on the west side of the Gironde, consists of the Médoc and Graves, while Pomerol and St. Emilion are located on the right bank. In between the Garonne and Dordogne is the Entre-Deaux-Mers region, French for 'between two seas'. From north to south the Médoc includes the famous classed growth chateaux in the communes of St. Estephe, Paulliac, St.Julien, and Margaux. The Graves and it’s enclave Pessac-Léognan make both red and white wine. While those of Pessac- Léognan’s are dry, Sauternes and Barsac make world-famous sweet whites. Although Bordeaux makes some of the world’s most expsenive wines, less expensive but good value alternatives come from Moulis and Listrac on the left and Bourg and Blaye on the right offer less expensive wines for earlier consumption.
Located on the right bank of the Gironde, just north of St.Emilion is Pomerol, the smallest and most exclusive of Bordeaux's major appellations. The region consists of about 150 boutique size producers whose wine is primarily made from Merlot, with varying levels of Cabernet Franc. While Pomerol’s are capable of ageing as well as any other fine Bordeaux, their seductive fruit forward qualities make them very attractive in their youth. Pomerol also has one satellite region, Lalande-de-Pomerol, which offers wines in a similar style, but with less intensity and finesse, however at a fraction of the cost.
